Christmas Lights

Happy Holidays to everyone!!! Here are a couple of pictures I snapped in Kingston while doing some last minute shopping.

Poinsettia

I took this picture of a Poinsettia bed at the Olympia Complex in Papine. As you can see some of the leaves are in the process of changing colour.

Fog in the Mountains

Yes we are still in Jamaica! I took this picture on a trip to the Hollywell National Park in upper St. Andrew. Despite the tropical climate it can still get quite cold in the mountains ( well cold for me anyways). While the park is only about an hours drive into the mountains it feels like a different world.

Children at Play

Here is one of the sculptures in the garden of the Olympia Complex in Papine. This complex houses an art store, a gallery and apartments. The cool thing is that the apartments are actually in the gallery. More to come...

The Caribbean Cement Company

I must apologize for the past few weeks during which I've been a bit busy, and haven't been posting regularly. Today's post is one of the Caribbean Cement factory in Rockfort, Kingston. The factory produces cement from local materials mined in the area, and this cement has been used to construct the majority Jamaica's buildings.

More from NMIA

Here's another picture from the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston.

Norman Manley International Airport

Here is a picture of the newly constructed concourse at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston.

Our National Airline

At the roundabout just before the Norman Manley International airport in Kingston, is this tail with the symbol of our national airline, Air Jamaica.

Rafting on the Martha Brae

Today's post is of the Martha Brae River in the northwestern parish of Trelawny. A great way to spend an afternoon don't you think?

Boat in the Kingston Harbour

Here's one of the boats in the Kingston Harbour.

Palisadoes

I took some pictures while driving on the Palisadoes Road on the way to the airport. The Palisadoes strip (tombolo in geographical terms) is the narrow strip of land which separates the Kingston Harbour from the Caribbean sea.

At one time there were sand banks on the left, however they have been eroded, so now work is in progress to create a more substantial barrier to protect the roadway.

More from Negril

Another picture from my vacation in Negril.

A Quiet Evening in Negril

Here's a picture from my vacation in Negril last year.

Kingston Harbour

Today I've posted a picture of the Kingston Harbour. It is the world's 7th largest natural harbour.

Jamaica Flour Mills

Here is a picture of the Jamaica Flour Mills in Kingston. The wheat is imported from abroad and stored in silos before being processed into various types of flour.

Statue of Bob Marley

This tribute to the legendary Robert Nesta Marley stands opposite the National Stadium in Kingston. For more information on his life and contribution click here

Cottage

This quaint little cottage is found on the grounds of the Royal Botanical Gardens, Hope.

Cruise Ship

Cruise ship at port in Ocho Rios.

Ocho Rios

A view of Ocho Rios from the hills.

Breadfruit

Originally from the Pacific Islands, breadfruit was brought to Jamaica during the 18th Century, and has become an important part of local cuisine. Above is a picture of the breadfruit before it was cooked, while the one below was taken after it was roasted.

Breadfruits are typically roasted, boiled or fried, and go great with ackee and saltfish among other things. After being roasted the breadfruit is peeled and the heart (centre) is removed.

Courts Store

The picture above is of the Courts store in Liguanea. Courts sells primarily furniture and household appliances, and is well known for the distinctive architecture of it's stores. It would be very hard not to notice a big yellow castle!

Post Office Mall

Across the street from Sovereign Centre in Liguanea is the recently constructed Post Office Mall. This mall is much smaller than Sovereign Centre, but has some unusual architecture. As you can see, the left wall is set at an angle.

Ackee and Saltfish

Here's my lunch of Ackee and Saltfish (National Dish), served with boiled green bananas, flour dumplings and fried ripe plantains. Yum!

Mahoe Waterfalls

It being the weekend, I decided to take a break from the city and show you some rural scenery. This is one of the lesser known waterfalls in the parish of St. Ann, and is found at the Coyaba River Gardens. Although not quite as grand as the nearby Dunn's River Falls, it is much less crowded, and much easier to climb.

More from Sovereign Centre

Here are some more pictures from inside Sovereign Centre

Sovereign Centre

Sovereign Centre is one of the most popular shopping complexes in the Kingston Corporate Area. In addition to a variety of retail stores, it has a supermarket, a food court and a movie theatre.

Hope Gardens

Here is a picture of the Royal Botanical Gardens, Hope. It's a place I used to visit quite often as a young child, however in later years it fell into disrepair, and has just recently undergone a major redevelopment. Now I think it's absolutely beautiful, and appreciate all the hard work that goes into maintaining it.

Liguanea Intersection

The intersection of Hope Road, Old Hope Road and Barbican Road is one of the busiest in the Kingston Corporate Area. The road running straight ahead is one of only a few dual carriageways in the area.

Jamaica College

Founded in the 19th century, Jamaica College is one of the oldest all boys high schools in Jamaica.

Bun & Cheese Please

Although traditionally most popular at Easter time, the spiced bun is a Jamaican favourite all year round. This yummy treat is eaten at pretty much any time of day and almost always with cheddar cheese.

Mona Community Park

Here is a quiet spot at the community park in Mona. I think they are doing such a wonderful job of maintaining this park. It's a great place for families to spend time together.

Stuck in Traffic

I took this picture at the intersection of Old Hope Road and Garden Boulevard in the Kingston Corporate Area, while waiting for the light to change. One of the things I really love about living in Kingston is that wherever you are, you usually have a view of the mountains.

Road Work

The road work on Old Hope Road and Mona Road has been going on for a while now, and they're still not finished. I'm not sure exactly what they're doing...probably laying pipes. Let's hope it gets done before Christmas.

Delivery Day

I just happened to be passing by right after the delivery truck had made it's drop off. It's quite common for small grocery stores to accept delivery at the front, as often times there is no loading area behind the building. On the left side are some of our local favourites, Ting, Kola Champagne and Cream Soda.

Wholesale in Papine

Looking for a variety of products at cheap prices? Then you have to check out a road side wholesale store. These cramped little shops stock tons of stuff, household appliances, clothing, shoes, perfume, cosmetics, costume jewelry, toys, everything piled all the way up to the ceiling.

Guineps

Guineps (mamoncillo) are in season. While walking around Papine, I found quite a few vendors selling them in large bunches. While it resembles a small lime, the guinep is actually related to the lychee, and has a large seed surrounded by pulpy fruit. For more info on guineps click here.

Coconuts on the Go

Hand Carts are the popular choice of street vendors all over the island. Made of recycled parts, they are relatively inexpensive to construct, and great for both transporting and displaying produce.

Shopping Plaza

Here is a small shopping plaza in Papine. In addition to stores, it also houses the Police Station.

Ackee

The slightly strange looking fruit displayed above is called Ackee. It is the main ingredient in Jamaica's national dish Ackee and Saltfish (Codfish). In order to be edible however, it ought to be left to open naturally on the tree before being picked. Unripened Ackee contains toxins, and may be poisonous if eaten.

Super Bus

A few years ago articulated buses were introduced to Kingston. At first I wondered how they could possibly turn corners on our narrow roads, but so far they seem to be managing the feat.

At the Bus Stop

This is one in a chain of bus stops that runs almost the entire length of the road in Papine. The picture was taken a little before peak time, so the crowds had not yet gathered.

Papine Square

Although we all love the beach, I hope to show a more balanced view of daily life in Jamaica. Here is a picture of Papine Square in the Kingston Corporate Area. It serves as a transportation hub for the surrounding residential areas and nearby universities, and has open air shopping plazas, a market, and of course a multitude of street vendors.